Alopek
Alopek Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.
Alopek stimulates hair growth by increasing oxygen, blood and nutrients supply to the hair follicle by widening blood vessels and inhibiting androgen hormone to affect hair follicles.
Following topical application, an average of about 1.4% of the total applied dose is absorbed from the normal intact scalp. Topical Alopek absorption is increased by increasing the dose applied, increasing the frequency of dosing and decreasing the barrier function of the stratum corneum. Serum Alopek levels and systemic effects resulting from the administration of topical Alopek are governed by the drug’s absorption rate through the skin. Following cessation of topical dosing, approximately 95% of the systemically absorbed drug is eliminated within 4 days. Alopek and its metabolites are excreted principally in the urine.
Alopek is an orally effective direct acting peripheral vasodilator that reduces elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure by decreasing peripheral vascular resistance. Alopek is also used topically to treat androgenetic alopecia. Microcirculatory blood flow in animals is enhanced or maintained in all systemic vascular beds. In man, forearm and renal vascular resistance decline; forearm blood flow increases while renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate are preserved. The predominant site of minoxidil action is arterial. Venodilation does not occur with minoxidil; thus, postural hypotension is unusual with its administration. The antihypertensive activity of minoxidil is due to its sulphate metabolite, minoxidil sulfate.
| Trade Name | Alopek |
| Availability | Prescription only |
| Generic | Minoxidil |
| Minoxidil Other Names | Minossidile, Minoxidil, Minoxidilum |
| Related Drugs | amlodipine, lisinopril, metoprolol, losartan, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide |
| Type | |
| Formula | C9H15N5O |
| Weight | Average: 209.2483 Monoisotopic: 209.127660127 |
| Protein binding | Minoxidil does not bind to plasma proteins. |
| Groups | Approved, Investigational |
| Therapeutic Class | Other scalp preparations |
| Manufacturer | |
| Available Country | Chile |
| Last Updated: | September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am |
Uses
Alopek is used for the treatment of androgenic alopecia in males and females and stabilisation of hair loss in patients with androgenic alopecia, and also of alopecia areata.
Alopek is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Androgenetic Alopecia, Severe, symptomatic Hypertension
How Alopek works
Alopek is thought to promote the survival of human dermal papillary cells (DPCs) or hair cells by activating both extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and Akt and by preventing cell death by increasing the ratio of BCl-2/Bax. Alopek may stimulate the growth of human hairs by prolonging anagen through these proliferative and anti-apoptotic effects on DPCs. Alopek, when used as a vasodilator, acts by opening adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channels in vascular smooth muscle cells. This vasodilation may also improve the viability of hair cells or hair follicles.
Dosage
Alopek dosage
Alopek topical solution is for external use only and should be applied when the hair and scalp are clean and dry. Apply 1 ml (7 sprays) of Alopek topical solution twice daily at 12-hour intervals to the scalp, beginning at the centre of the affected area and spreading the solution out to cover the entire affected area. The total daily application dose should not exceed 2 ml.
For the best results, Alopek topical solution should be allowed to remain on the scalp for about 4 hours before washing. The night-time application should be done 2-4 hours before going to bed to allow the solution to dry out. Alopek topical solution should not be massaged into the scalp, but applied lightly. A hair dryer should not be used to speed up the drying of the solution as it may decrease the effectiveness. Alopek topical solution should not be mixed with any hair oil. The drug should not be used more than two times a day, or be taken orally or applied to any other part of the body to avoid the risk of adverse effects and unwanted hair growth. More frequent use or longer application time have no effect on hair growth. In case of missing any daily applications of Alopek topical solution, the patient should continue with the next application.
Hands should be washed immediately if Alopek topical solution is applied with the fingertips. Clinical experience with Alopek indicates that twice-daily applications for 4 months or more may be required before there is evidence of hair growth. To arresthair fall, Alopek topical solution should be used for not less than 45 days. Depending upon the severity of hair loss or type and extent of baldness, particular strength of Alopek topical solution may be selected.
Side Effects
Commonly encountered side effects in clinical trials with Alopek topical solution were minor dermatological reactions. Dermatitis or hypertrichosis may occur. These incidences may occur in 0.1–5% of patients.
Toxicity
Oral LD50 in rats has ranged from 1321-3492 mg/kg; in mice, 2456-2648 mg/kg. Side effects include cardiovascular effects associated with hypotension such as sudden weight gain, rapid heart beat, faintness or dizziness.
Precaution
Alopek topical solution is more likely to cause scalp irritation. If scalp irritation continues or worsen, use of Alopek topical solution should be stopped.
Interaction
Alopek topical solution should not be used along with other topical agents known to alter the stratum corneum barrier such as tretinoin or dithranol, due to the enhanced absorption of Alopek. Although there is no clinical evidence, there exists the theoretical possibility of absorbed Alopek potentiating orthostatic hypotension caused by peripheral vasodilators.
Food Interaction
- Take with or without food. The absorption is unaffected by food.
Alopek Drug Interaction
Unknown: aspirin, aspirin, nebivolol, carvedilol, rosuvastatin, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, insulin glargine, furosemide, atorvastatin, metoprolol, metoprolol, esomeprazole, amlodipine, clopidogrel, pantoprazole, levothyroxine, acetaminophen, cyanocobalamin, ascorbic acid, cholecalciferol
Alopek Disease Interaction
Major: fluid retention/congestive heart failure, ischemic heart disease, pheochromocytomaModerate: renal failure/dialysis
Elimination Route
Alopek is at least 90% absorbed from the GI tract in experimental animals and man.
Half Life
4.2 hours
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use
Alopek topical solution should not be used during pregnancy and lactation.
Contraindication
- Patients with cardiac abnormalities
- Children below 18 years of age
- Patients using occlusive dressings or other medicines on the scalp
- Patients with red, inflamed infection, or irritated or painful scalp (including psoriasis & sunburn)
Acute Overdose
Increased systemic absorption of Alopek may potentially occur if higher-than-recommended doses of Alopek are applied to larger surface areas of the body or areas other than the scalp. There are no known cases of Alopek overdosage resulting from topical administration of Alopek.
Signs and symptoms of Alopek overdosage would primarily be cardiovascular effects associated with sodium and water retention, and tachycardia. Fluid retention can be managed with appropriate diuretic therapy. Clinically significant tachycardia can be controlled by administration of a beta-adrenergic blocking agent.
Storage Condition
Store at a cool and dry place, protected from light. Keep out of the reach of the children.
Innovators Monograph
You find simplified version here Alopek
Alopek contains Minoxidil see full prescribing information from innovator Alopek Monograph, Alopek MSDS, Alopek FDA label
FAQ
What is Alopek used for?
Alopek is a medication used for the treatment of high blood pressure and pattern hair loss in males and females. Alopek applied to the scalp is used to stimulate hair growth in adult men and women with a certain type of baldness.
How safe is Alopek?
This over-the-counter product is considered safe, but should be used with caution. Furthermore, Alopek is an orally active vasodilator for treatment of severe hypertension.
How does Alopek work?
works by shortening the telogen phase of your hair growth cycle and moving your hairs into the anagen.
What are the common side effects of Alopek?
Common side effects of Alopek are include:
- Irritation
- Eczema
- Abnormal hair growth on the body
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Application site redness
- Worsening of hair loss
- Burning
- Respiratory infections
- Tendinitis
- Back pain
- Fractures
- Sinusitis
- Fluid retention (edema)
- Anxiety
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Faintness
Is Alopek safe during pregnancy?
It is not known whether Alopek topical will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant. Alopek should be used during pregnancy only if the possible benefit outweighs the possible risk to the unborn baby.
Is Alopek safe during breastfeeding?
Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding.
Can I drink alcohol with Alopek?
Alopek does not significantly react with alcohol use. However, alcohol can dry out the skin, which could irritate your scalp when using topical Alopek products.
When should be taken of Alopek?
Alopek is a topical medication that you apply directly to your scalp. It's designed for use two times a day. Most people who use Alopek apply it once in the morning and once in the evening, typically a few hours before going to bed.
Can I take Alopek on an empty stomach?
Alopek may be taken with food or on an empty stomach.
How long can I take Alopek?
Most people need to use this medication regularly for 4 months to see benefit. This medication must be used continuously to maintain hair growth. If your condition does not improve or worsens after using this medication for 4 to 6 months.
Is Alopek bad for the heart?
Alopek can cause poor heart function or worsen existing heart problems.
How long does Alopek take to work?
Generally speaking, it takes about 8 weeks of consistent use to start to see results with Alopek. After 4 months of use, you should start to see the end of hair loss and start to see hair growth.
How long does Alopek stay in my system?
After an effective single oral dose, blood pressure usually starts to decline within one-half hour, reaches a minimum between 2 and 3 hours and recovers at an arithmetically linear rate of about 30%/day. The total duration of effect is approximately 75 hours.
What happens If I stop taking Alopek?
If you stop applying Alopek to your scalp, you'll gradually lose any hair that you've regrown as a result of the medication. Alopek is a well-studied medication that's safe to use for the long term.
Who should not take Alopek?
Do not use Alopek topical if the skin on your scalp is red, swollen, irritated, or infected.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of Alopek topical is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.
Can Alopek affects my heart ?
Alopek can cause poor heart function or worsen existing heart problems.
Can Alopek affect my kidneys?
If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure.
Can Alopek affects my liver?
Alopek is metabolized by the liver, but has little effect on hepatic metabolism of other drugs. The reason for its lack of hepatotoxicity is not known.
Will Alopek affect my fertility?
There is accumulating evidence that it negatively impacts male fertility. You may instead use topical Alopek, which has no known negative effects on male fertility.
